Hydronephrosis is treated with advanced, minimally invasive methods. At Liv Hospital, care focuses on preserving kidney function and patient recovery.
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Hydronephrosis Treatment and Care
Immediate Decompression and Drainage
The primary objective in treating hydronephrosis at Liv Hospital is the immediate relief of internal kidney pressure to prevent irreversible nephron damage. When an obstruction is acute or causing severe pain, decompression is achieved through two main methods. A ureteral stent—a thin, flexible tube—can be placed internally to bypass a blockage and allow urine to flow from the kidney to the bladder. Alternatively, if a stent cannot be passed, a percutaneous nephrostomy is performed, where a drainage tube is inserted through the skin directly into the kidney. These interventions provide immediate stabilization, allowing the kidney to recover its filtering function before a permanent solution is implemented.
Managing Obstructions Caused by Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are the most frequent cause of acute hydronephrosis. Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. For smaller stones, medical expulsive therapy using alpha-blockers may be sufficient to relax the ureter and allow the stone to pass naturally. For larger stones, Liv Hospital utilizes Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break stones into fragments using sound waves or Laser Lithotripsy via a ureteroscope. These minimally invasive techniques ensure that the blockage is removed with high precision, restoring the flow of urine without the need for traditional open surgery.
Surgical Correction of Structural Blockages (Pyeloplasty)
When hydronephrosis is caused by a congenital narrowing, such as a Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) obstruction, reconstructive surgery is necessary. Liv Hospital specializes in Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the narrowed section of the ureter and reattaches it to the renal pelvis, creating a wide, unobstructed opening. The use of robotic technology provides 3D visualization and extreme precision, which is especially critical in pediatric cases or complex revisions. This approach significantly reduces post-operative pain and ensures a durable, long-term structural fix.
Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
In cases where hydronephrosis is caused by urine flowing backward (reflux), the treatment strategy at Liv Hospital focuses on protecting the kidney from infection and pressure. Mild cases in children are often managed with low-dose prophylactic antibiotics while waiting for the condition to resolve with age. For persistent or severe reflux, we offer endoscopic treatments like Deflux injections, where a bulking agent is placed at the ureteral opening to create a one-way valve. If endoscopic methods fail, surgical reimplantation of the ureter is performed to restore the natural anti-reflux mechanism.
Management of Extrinsic Compression
Sometimes the kidney is swollen because something outside the urinary tract is pressing on the ureters, such as a pelvic tumor, enlarged lymph nodes, or pregnancy. In these complex scenarios, the team at Liv Hospital coordinates with oncologists or gynecologists to address the primary cause. While the underlying condition is being treated, long-term internal stents may be used to keep the ureters open. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that the kidneys are protected while the patient undergoes broader medical or surgical treatments for the external pressure source.
Treating Bladder and Prostate-Related Causes
In men, an enlarged prostate (BPH) is a common cause of bilateral hydronephrosis. Treatment focuses on relieving the bladder outlet obstruction. This can involve medications to shrink the prostate or relax the muscles or surgical procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) or HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate). If a “neurogenic bladder” is the cause, treatment may include intermittent catheterization or specialized medications to lower bladder pressure, thereby allowing the kidneys to drain effectively without the resistance of a high-pressure bladder environment.
Antibiotic Therapy and Infection Control
Hydronephrosis and infection are a dangerous combination that can lead to urosepsis. At Liv Hospital, we initiate aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy for any patient showing signs of infection alongside renal swelling. However, antibiotics alone are often insufficient if the “infected fluid” is trapped. Therefore, the removal of the obstruction or placement of a drainage tube is performed concurrently with medication. This dual approach—treating the bacteria while resolving the stagnant flow—is the gold standard for preventing systemic infection and renal scarring.
Conservative Management and Monitoring
Not all cases of hydronephrosis require immediate surgery. For mild cases discovered incidentally or during pregnancy, a strategy of “watchful waiting” may be appropriate. At Liv Hospital, this involves scheduled ultrasounds every few months to ensure the swelling is not progressing and regular blood tests to monitor creatinine levels. If the kidney function remains stable and the patient is asymptomatic, we prioritize non-invasive monitoring over surgical intervention, always keeping the patient’s long-term renal health as the guiding metric for decision-making.
Personalized Treatment Planning
No two cases of hydronephrosis are exactly alike. At Liv Hospital, your treatment plan is tailored to your unique anatomy, the cause of the obstruction, and your overall health goals. We provide transparent communication, explaining the pros and cons of each option—from stent placement to robotic surgery. Our goal is to resolve the obstruction permanently while minimizing the risk of recurrence. By choosing Liv Hospital, you are accessing world-class expertise and a compassionate care team committed to restoring your urinary flow and protecting your vital kidney function.
How Is Hydronephrosis Treated at Liv Hospital?
At Liv Hospital, we provide a center of excellence for both adult and pediatric urology. Our treatment philosophy is rooted in Renal Preservation, meaning we use every tool available to save as much kidney tissue as possible. We utilize a multidisciplinary team of urologists, nephrologists, and interventional radiologists who collaborate on every case. Our facility is equipped with the latest robotic and laser technologies of 2026, allowing us to perform complex reconstructions with minimal downtime. We understand the stress of a kidney diagnosis and are dedicated to providing a supportive, high-tech environment for your care.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Engin Kaya
Urology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Orhan Tanrıverdi
Urology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Tahir Karadeniz
Urology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Uğur Boylu
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Assoc. Prof. MD. Eymen Gazel
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Op. MD. Kenan Yiğit Yıldız
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Op. MD. Miraç Turan
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Selçuk Şahin
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Volkan Tuğcu
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Yusuf Oğuz Acar
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Spec. MD. Anar Mammadov
Urology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Fırat Akdeniz
Urology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Ayhan Karaköse
Urology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Birgi Ercili
Urology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Spec. MD. Timuçin Çakır
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Asst. Prof. MD. Ahmet Yıldız
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Ziya Akbulut
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Çağrı Güneri
Urology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Op. MD. Kazım Doğan
Urology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Prof. MD. Faruk Küçükdurmaz
Urology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. MD. Çağlar Yıldırım
Urology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. Md. İdris Kıvanç Cavıldak
Urology
Prof. MD. Kadir Önem
Urology
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
While diet cannot fix a physical blockage, staying well-hydrated and reducing salt intake can help prevent the formation of stones that cause the obstruction.
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